Homer Alaska - Letters

Story last updated at
7:22 PM on
Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Program lays bricks for success

In early June, approximately 45 students from rural Kenai Peninsula schools will participate in Summer Institute hosted at the Kenai Peninsula College by Project GRAD Kenai Peninsula. Summer Institute is one very visible component of PGKP's College Access Program which more often is working behind the scenes, one-on-one with students, their families and teachers to foster academic achievement in math, science and language arts, support parent and community involvement, provide college and career planning information and scholarship assistance. Project GRAD sets many bricks in place to help build the likelihood that all youth, regardless of income, cultural diversity or geography can go to college.

Obtaining advanced skills is important in today's economy with its premium on service, information, and technology many jobs now demand that workers have some postsecondary training. The earnings gap between college and high school graduates has likewise changed. College graduates earn up to 58 percent more than high school graduates. As students progress through PGKP's programs, many first generation college students are now successfully accessing postsecondary education and persisting towards career goals that positively support rural economies.

On behalf of PGKP, I would like to recognize a few companies and foundations whose repeated support has played a key role in PGKP scholar success: The DanPaul Foundation, Wells Fargo Bank N.A., American Seafoods Company, Homer Electric Association and Totem Ocean Trailer Express. We at PGKP are continually inspired by the dedication and generosity of donors like you who answer the call to reach out to help strengthen community.